Experiences of factors contributing to women's ability to make
informed decisions about the process of rehabilitation and return to work: A
focus group study
Affiliations: Social Medicine, Department of Public Health and
Community Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, Göteborg University,
Göteborg, Sweden | Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology/Occupational
Therapy, Sahlgrenska Academy, Göteborg University, Göteborg,
Sweden
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Lena Mårtensson, Unit of
Social Medicine, PO Box 453, S 405 30 Göteborg, Sweden. Tel.: +46 703
336948; Fax: +46 31 16 28 47; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Objective: Functional, interactive and critical skills to use and
act on health information, i.e. health literacy, are central preconditions for
decision-making. To construct a decision aid that strengthens women's abilities
to make decisions during sick leave, knowledge is needed about factors that
increase health literacy. The aim of this study was for that reason to explore
and describe women's experiences of factors that contribute to their ability to
make informed decisions about the process of rehabilitation and return to
work. Participants: Nineteen women with a period of sick leave during the
previous 12 months participated. Methods: A qualitative design with a focus group methodology was
used. The qualitative data analysis was based on five focus group discussions.
Results: A number of factors emerged that were experienced as
supporting. They were distributed over five qualitative categories. Trusting
in, valuing and using one's own resources, taking the initiative and obtaining
information were described as crucial to making well-founded decisions. Being
coached by a professional or being supported by significant others were other
factors that contributed to decision-making. The women also experienced that a
trustful, transparent, continuous relationship with the professionals involved
in the rehabilitation process contributed to well-founded decisions. Conclusions: The factors experienced as contributing to sick-listed
women's ability to make informed decisions were both personal and
environmental. Some have a connection with theories that conceptualize
intentional relationships and self-efficacy. The factors may be useful as an
initial source for the development of a decision aid for women.
Keywords: Health literacy, interpersonal treatment, rehabilitation, return to work, self-efficacy
